After dinner, it was common for the family to retire to the West Parlor which was known as the “sitting room” to entertain each other with stories, music or conversations on a variety of topics.

Douglass’s second wife, Helen and his daughter Rosetta both played the upright Kimball piano. Douglass’s first wife Anna played the violin and Douglass taught himself to play the violin as well. Everyone was encouraged to participate by singing, playing the tambourine, clapping or dancing.